Scots police to help US cops 'understand Scottish culture' at World Cup

A group of Police Scotland officers will travel to America to help US cops managing Scotland fans at the World Cup.

Police Scotland says a group of four officers will help the federal, state and local police “understand Scottish culture, identify any risks and engage with Scotland fans” stateside.

Two officers will be based at the International Police Coordination Centre, and another two will travel as a moving delegation.

The small delegation of Scottish officers will work with Scots at fan zones, transport hubs and around stadiums.

In May, the UK’s national football lead, Cheshire Constabulary’s chief constable Mark Roberts, said only three police officers from the UK were being sent to America.

It came after the White House elected not to fund a British law enforcement presence, he said.

Police Scotland chief superintendent Neil MacDougall said: “It’s an exciting time for Scottish football fans. Police Scotland’s role will be to act as a liaison for travelling Scotland fans at the World Cup and support event organisers in this country with safety advice at fan zones.

“For Scotland fans travelling to the World Cup, engagement and cooperation with local police will help make it an enjoyable trip. Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website for useful advice on travel and passports.

“For people visiting fan zones in Scotland, we are encouraging the public to trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right to security or the police.”

Since early 2025, American and Canadian law enforcement have been visiting Police Scotland to learn about its approach to policing major events.

It involved more than 75 officers from police departments in Miami, Missouri, California, Toronto and Vancouver.